Get to know Susan Mowbray, Partner, Consulting Services
Meet Susan Mowbray, a Partner in our Consulting Services practice. Susan leads MNP’s Economics and Research practice and is passionate about evidence-based decision-making. Her work focuses on helping clients make strategic decisions, evaluate programs and business alternatives, determine economic and financial contributions, and develop public policy.
What led you to consulting?
It was not a direct path. I am naturally curious and have always been interested in understanding how things are connected. This led me to study journalism in college and as part of that program I took an introductory economics course. My interest was piqued, and I ended up switching from journalism to economics, eventually completing a graduate degree.
After grad school I worked in the international airline industry and then taught at post-secondary. I enjoyed teaching but found that I missed being involved in real-world decision-making. I started doing contract work and after three or four years of working independently I joined MNP’s Economics and Research practice.
What is economic consulting?
When I tell people I am an economist the first reaction is often to ask me what the outlook for the economy or a particular industry is. That is certainly a part of what I do, but at its core economics is about choices and how people make decisions. So much of the work that I do is focused on developing quantitative estimates to inform decision making. This includes estimating economic impacts associated with industries and initiatives, identifying meaningful measures of outcomes, assessing the impact of policies on different groups, estimating the costs of providing goods and services, and undertaking research to fill gaps in existing data sources.
How would you characterize your approach to helping clients?
Working in the airline industry gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives. I think that experience taught me that there is no one-size fits all approach to things. What is successful in one context may not be effective in another, so it is important to understand the underlying influences that affect outcomes.
The idea that we need to understand the fundamentals of the question we are answering guides our approach. This means listening to what our clients hope to achieve from our work, asking questions and tailoring our approach to the specifics of the project.
What is one word that describes the value of the work you do?
Integrity – for me it is important that we provide an independent perspective that helps clients make decisions based on a solid evidence base. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations but ultimately our clients value and respect the independence of our work.
What might someone not know about you outside of work?
People are often surprised to learn I am an avid football fan, who has been faithful to the San Francisco 49ers since Joe Montana was throwing passes to Dwight Clark and Jerry Rice. My husband is a Green Bay Packers fan, which makes for some interesting dynamics during playoffs since both teams play in the NFC. When the playoffs are over, we volunteer with community football in East Vancouver.
Also, when I am not busy working, I like to spend my weekends in the woods and often go hiking on the North Shore mountains with a group of friends.
Contact Susan
With more than two decades of experience in economic modelling, applying economic analysis and project management, Susan helps clients achieve their business goals and enhance their success. Contact her 604-637-1506 or [email protected].